Dimapur: In a move to ensure the successful and people-centric implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Nagaland, the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has submitted a comprehensive memorandum to the Home Commissioner through the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur. The appeal focuses on affordable registration, inclusive offline options, a well-defined grace period, and deep community involvement to ensure that ILP enforcement remains both effective and equitable.
The Inner Line Permit, originally enacted under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873, has long been recognized as a critical tool for protecting the rights and demographic composition of indigenous communities.
The NCD noted that while it has been in force across most of Nagaland, its implementation in the plain areas of Dimapur has lagged, despite its extension to the district as early as 1979.
In its submission, the NCD clearly articulated that the ILP fee structure should not be treated as a revenue stream for the government but as a regulatory tool to raise awareness and ensure compliance. “Its primary objective should be to establish and reinforce the mandatory requirement for every individual or group from outside the state to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) when visiting Nagaland. The fee structure should be kept minimal and affordable for the general public. A low and accessible fee will help in sensitizing visitors about the importance and legal necessity of obtaining the ILP, thereby encouraging wider compliance with the system,” the memorandum stated.
While acknowledging the convenience of the existing online ILP registration system, the NCD pointed out that the current model disproportionately benefits high-profile individuals and excludes the digitally unprivileged, especially daily wage workers and laborers. They urged the government to introduce offline registration counters in key districts such as Dimapur, where many migrants lack internet access and digital literacy.
“Relying solely on online registration risks excluding a large section of the population,” the NCD warned, highlighting the risk of labor shortages if the working population is unable to register through the digital system.
The memorandum also calls for a well-planned grace period before the strict enforcement of ILP regulations. This interim phase, the Council suggests, would allow already residing individuals to register themselves properly and give the administration time to fine-tune implementation mechanisms.
A key feature of the NCD’s proposal is the call for meaningful community involvement. It recommended that communities should be engaged and entrusted with the responsibility of verifying and identifying individuals for the issuance of ILPs within their respective areas. “The Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) believes that this exercise will significantly ease and streamline the implementation of the ILP system across the state,” it stated.
The Council also emphasized the need to compile a comprehensive and publicly accessible list of indigenous residents as per the 1st December 1963 benchmark, along with clear classifications for other resident categories. This, they believe, would eliminate confusion and streamline registration for future generations. “Once these categories are properly documented, it will help eliminate confusion for current and future generations,” it stated.
The NCD also stated that the State Government should place strong emphasis on the identification and verification of illegal immigrants, which remains one of the most pressing issues in the region.
“A systematic and transparent mechanism must be established to verify suspected cases and, where necessary, initiate appropriate deportation procedures in accordance with the law,” it said.
Recognizing the role of enforcement agencies, the NCD lauded the creation of the Enforcement Directorate but urged the government to further support the body through trained manpower and collaboration with civil society organizations. They also recommended setting up ILP registration booths in strategic locations to decentralize and ease the registration process.
In regard to the guarantor mechanism, the NCD encouraged the state to consider proposals from various civil society and non-governmental organizations to ensure that the system remains inclusive and efficient.
Calling ILP implementation a “continuous and evolving process, not a one-time measure,” the NCD cautioned against hasty enforcement devoid of ground-level realities. “It must be pursued with sensitivity and should not stray from the principles of coexistence and human dignity,” it stated, reiterating that a people-first approach will determine the policy’s long-term success.